Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is taking legal action against her six-month suspension from the Senate. The senator was suspended after a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the red chamber.
Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, called the suspension unlawful and a direct violation of a court order. “The suspension is void and has no legal effect,” Giwa told The PUNCH on Thursday after Akpoti-Uduaghan was escorted out of the National Assembly. “There was a valid court order preventing the Senate from taking further action, yet they went ahead with the suspension. This is a clear violation of the rule of law.”
Giwa confirmed that they would be returning to court to challenge the decision. “The case is coming up in two weeks, and we will inform the court that despite being served with the order, including the Senate President, they still acted in violation by suspending her,” he added.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and several opposition parties have condemned the Senate’s handling of the case, particularly its refusal to grant Akpoti-Uduaghan enough time to present her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.
Suspension Sparks Legal and Political Reactions
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended without pay after the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges found her guilty of violating Senate rules. The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, recommended her suspension following an investigative hearing, which she did not attend.
As part of her punishment, her salary and allowances will be withheld, her office will be locked, and her security details will be withdrawn. However, the Senate agreed that her legislative aides would continue to receive their salaries.
Despite the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains defiant. Before leaving the chamber, she declared, “This injustice against me will not stand. I will fight against it.”
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- Senate Suspends Natasha for Six Months Over Misconduct
NBA and Legal Experts Question Senate’s Actions
Legal experts and human rights groups have criticized the Senate’s decision, arguing that it undermines democratic principles. The Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, raised concerns about the fairness of the process.
“We all want justice. The question is: Was she given a fair hearing? If the committee called her and she refused to attend, then that is one thing. But if she was not called, then on what basis was she suspended?” Muhammad questioned.
Senior lawyer Professor Itse Sagay (SAN) argued that the Senate should have allowed the courts to decide on the matter before taking disciplinary action. “I feel very sympathetic towards her. She is in an assembly dominated by men, and there is a natural tendency for them to protect themselves,” he said.
Chief Awa Kalu (SAN) also described the suspension as “hasty,” while Wale Balogun (SAN) stressed that due process must be followed before a senator can be suspended.
Political Fallout and International Scrutiny
There are growing concerns that the suspension is politically motivated. Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier accused Senate President Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her, a claim he denied. The matter was initially referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for review.
Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, hinted at possible international involvement. “For now, we are handling it locally, but the world is watching. The Senate must follow international best practices, which dictate that no action should be taken when a case is in court,” he said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have also expressed their disapproval of the Senate’s decision.
Meanwhile, Akpabio defended his actions, insisting that he was only upholding the integrity of the Senate. “The rules give me the power to interpret and enforce Senate regulations,” he said.